Apparatus for removing crossties



Feb. 28, 1967 J. D. HOLLEY 3,306,232

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING CROSSTIES Filed June 7, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR v .jobn D HOMES,

Feb. 28, 1967 J. o. HOLLEY 3,306,232

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING CROSSTIES Filed June 7, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 BMW )2 MQ W A ffomgys United States Patent 3,306,232 APPARATUS FOR REMOVING CROSSTIES John D. Holley, Montgomery, Ala., assignor to Kershaw Manufacturing Co., Inc., a corporation of Alabama Filed June 7, 1965, Ser. No. 461,973 7 Claims. (Cl. 104-6) This invention relates to apparatus for removing crossties and more particularly to such apparatus which shall be adapted to remove crossties after ballast has been removed from around the crossties.

An object of my invention is to provide apparatus for removing crossties in which each crosstie is quickly removed by power actuated mechanism, thereby eliminating the arduous task of removing the crossties by manual labor.

Another object of my invention is to provide apparatus for removing crossties in which each crosstie is removed in -a rectilinear direction to a position outwardly of the railroad track, thus reducing the power required to remove the crosstie and at the same time the removal of the crosstie does not interfere with crossties positioned adjacent thereto.

A further object of my invention is to provide apparatus for removing crossties of the character designated which shall be particularly adapted for mounting on a tie bar unit which operatively connects a ballast removing unit to a ballast cleaning unit whereby the crossties to be removed immediately after removal of the ballast.

A further object of my invention is to provide apparatus for removing crossties of the character designated which shall include an extendible member whereby the crossties may be moved to selected distances from the rails of the railroad track.

A still further object of my invention is to provide apparatus for removing crossties of the character designated which shall be simple of construction, economical of manufacture and one which may be operated in an efficient manner by unskilled labor.

Heretofore in the art to which my invention relates, it

has been the usual practice to remove crossties from beneath railroad tracks by employing a pair of hand operated grapple members whereby it is necessary for the worker to bend over and engage the crosstie with the grapple unit and then work the crosstie out from beneath the rails whereupon it is then pulled to a position outwardly of the rails. This not only is an arduous task but requires a considerable amount of time to remove each crosstie. Also, removal of the crossties by manual labor requires the crosstie to be shifted laterally from side to side as it is removed, thus requiring more energy for removal of the crosstie and at the same time the crosstie being removed strikes the crossties and other equipment adjacent thereto.

Apparatus embodying features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing the tie removing apparatus mounted on a tie bar which operatively connects a ballast removing unit to a ballast cleaner;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmental view taken generally along the line 2-2 of FIGS. 1 and FIG. 3 is a fragmental, sectional view through the depending extendible arm of the apparatus;

3,306,232 Patented Feb. 28, 1967 ice FIG. 4 is an enlarged, sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmental view taken generally along the line 55 of FIG. 2.

Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of my invention, I show my improved tie removing apparatus generally at 10. The tie removing apparatus is mounted on a tie bar 11 which operatively connects a ballast removing unit 12 to a ballast cleaning unit 13. That is to say, the tie bar 11 forms a supporting frame for the tie removing apparatus which is supported for movement along a railroad track having rails 14 supported by crossties 16. Before removing the ballast by the ballast remover 12, the spikes are removed from the crossties which are to be removed whereby upon removal of the ballast, the crossties to be removed drop onto the subjacent ground indicated at G. That is, the spikes are removed from all crossties which are unfit for further use whereby they may be removed by my innpr-oved apparatus immediately after the ballast has been removed.

Mounted on each side of the tie bar or frame 11 are spaced apart, vertically extending brackets 17 and 18, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. Extending between the upstanding brackets 17 and 18 are sleeve members 19 and 21 which are mounted for rotation on supporting shafts 22 and 23, respectively. Secured to the sleeve member 19 is the inner end of an outwardly extending arm 24. The outer end of the arm 24 is pivotally connected 'by a pivot pin 26 to lugs or brackets 27 carried by a depending arm 28. An outwardly extending arm 29 is secured at its inner end to the sleeve 21, as shown in FIG. 2. The outer end of the arm 29 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 31 to lugs or brackets 32 carried adjacent the upper end of the depending arm 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the pivotal connection between the lower end of the arm 29 and the frame 11 is above and in spaced relation to the pivotal connection between the lower end of the arm 24 and the frame 11. Also, the pivot pin 31 is at an elevation above and in spaced relation to the pivot pin 26 whereby upon pivotal movement of the arms 24 and 29 to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2, the depending arm 28 pivots to the dotted line position to swing the lower end of the depending arm a substantial distance outwardly of the frame 11.

Secured to the lower end of the arm 24 and the sleeve 19 is an inwardly extending bracket 33. Pivotally connected to the inner end of the bracket 33 by means of a pivot pin 34 is one end of a piston rod 36 for a fluid pressure operated cylinder 37. The innermost end of the fluid pressure operated cylinder 37 is pivotally connected to the frame 11 by a pivot pin 38 which extends through suitable brackets 39 carried by the frame 11. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder 37 by suitable conduits 41 whereby upon introduction of fluid under pressure at opposite ends of the cylinder 37, the arms 24 and 29 are removed selectively from the solid line position to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 2.

Projecting inwardly from the depending arm 28 is a bracket 42 which is adapted to move alongside suitable brackets 43 carried by the outwardly extending arm 24, as shown in FIG. 2. Aligned openings are provided through the brackets 42 and 43 for receiving a latch pin 44 whereby the depending arm 28 is detachably connected to the arm 24 while the apparatus is not in operation. The latch pin 44 is carried by a chain-like member 46 which is secured to the arm 24, as shown.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the depending arm 28 is in the form of a sleeve-like member which may be square, as shown. Mounted for sliding movement within the lower end of the depending anm 28 is an extendible member 47. The upper end of the member 47 is secured to the lower end of a piston rod 48. The upper end of the piston rod 48 carries a piston 49 which rides within a fluid pressure operated cylinder 51. As shown in FIG. 3, the cylinder 51 is mounted within the upper end of the depending arm 28 and is connected thereto by a suitable pin 52.

The lower end of the extendible member 47 is provided with an opening 53 therein for receiving the upper link of a chain 54. The lower end of chain 54 is connected to a crosstie engaging member, such as a grapple member 56.

Fluid under pressure is introduced into opposite ends of the cylinder 51 by suitable conduits indicated generally at 57. Mounted on the supporting frame 11 adjacent the upstanding bracket 18 is a control panel 58 having an operating lever 59 which controls the fiow of fluid under pressure to opposite ends of the cylinder 51. Also, a control lever 61 is carried by the panel 58 for controlling the flow of fluid under pressure through the conduits 41 to the cylinder 37. Accordingly, the operator can control the movement of the arms 24, 29 and 28 by merely actuating the control lever 61. Extendible member 47 is controlled by operating lever 59.

From the foregoing description, the operation of my improved apparatus for removing crossties will be readily understood. The ballast is continuously removed from beneath the rails 14 of the crossties 16 by the undercutter 12. Since each defective crosstie to be removed is no longer secured to the rails by spikes, the crosstie to be removed drops to the ground G whereby it may be easily removed from beneath the rails. The latch pin 44 is released whereby the depending arm 28 is adapted for free movement relative to the outwardly extending arm 24. The grapple member 56 is attached to the end of the crosstie to be removed, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, whereby the lower end of the depending arm 28 is operatively connected to the crosstie through the flexible member 54. The control lever 61 is actuated to introduce fluid under pressure into the cylinder 37 whereby the arms 24 and 29 are moved downwardly and outwardly from the solid line position shown in FIG. 2 to the dotted line position. As the arms 24 and 29 are thus swung outwardly and downwardly, the depending arm 28 is pivoted outwardly to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 4. At this time, if it is desired to move the crosstie a substantial distance from the frame 11, the actuating lever 59 is actuated whereupon fluid under pressure is introduced into the upper end of the cylinder 51 to thus extend the extendible member 47 to thus move the crosstie a further distance from the railroad track. The grapple member 56 is then released from the crosstie 16 and the actuated lever 59 is moved in position to introduce fluid under pressure adjacent the lower end of the cylinder 51 whereupon the extendible member 47 is retracted to the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The actuating lever 61 is then moved into a position to introduce fluid under pressure into the cylinder 37 whereupon the bracket 33 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, to thus return the arms 24, 29 and 28 to the solid line position shown in FIG. 2. The apparatus is then in position to extract another crosstie.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have devised improved apparatus for removing crossties from beneath the rails of a railroad track. By providing apparatus wherein the crosstie may be engaged and then moved in a rectilinear direction outwardly of the rails, the crosstie is removed with a minimum of effort and without disturbing in any manner the crossties and other equipment adjacent the crosstie being removed. Also, by providing a depending arm which is mounted for pivotal movement relative to a pair of generally parallel arms which in turn are pivotally connected to supporting frames at vertically spaced locations, the crosstie is extracted from beneath the rails by merely pivoting the arms relative to the supporting frame. Also, by providing an extendible member for the depending arm, the crosstie is moved a substantial distance away from the railroad track after being removed therefrom. Furthermore, by providing power actuated means for quickly removing the crossties by merely actuating control levers, I eliminate entirely the necessity of a worker having to bend over and engage the crosstie by hook members and manually pull the crosstie from beneath the rails and then pull the crosstie the required distance away from the track.

While I have shown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In apparatus for removing a crosstie from beneath the rails of a railroad track after ballast has been removed therefrom:

(a) a frame adapted to be supported for movement along a railroad track,

(b) a first outwardly extending arm pivotally connected adjacent its inner end to said frame,

(c) a second outwardly extending arm pivotally connected adjacent its inner end to said frame at an elevation above and in spaced relation to the pivotal connection of said first arm to said frame,

((1) a depending arm pivotally connected adjacent its upper end to said second arm adjacent the outer end thereof,

(e) means to pivotally connect the outer end of said first arm to said depending arm at an elevation below and in spaced relation to the pivotal connection of said second arm to said depending arm,

(f) power actuated means disposed to move said first and second arms about their pivotal connections to said frame to move the outer ends of said first and second arms from a first position adjacent said frame to a second position outwardly of said frame whereupon the lower end of said depending arm is pivoted from a position adjacent said frame to a position outwardly thereof, and

(g) crosstie engaging means operatively connected to the lower end of said depending arm and disposed to engage a crosstie while the lower end of said depending arm is adjacent said frame whereupon the crosstie is removed from beneath the rails in response to movement of the outer ends of said first and second arms to said second position.

2. In apparatus for removing a crosstie from beneath the rails of a railroad track as defined in claim 1 in which the depending arm is provided with an extendible element whereby the effective length thereof is variable.

3. In apparatus for removing a crosstie from beneath the rails of a railroad track as defined in claim 2 in which the depending arm is a sleeve-like member and the extendible element is adapted for sliding movement within said sleeve-like member.

4. In apparatus for removing a crosstie from beneath the rails of a railroad track as defined in claim 3 in which a fluid pressure operated power unit is mounted within said sleeve-like member and is operatively connected to said extendible element to move the same to selected positions relative to said sleeve-like member.

5. In apparatus for removing a crosstie from beneath the rails of a railroad track as defined in claim 1 in which 7. In apparatus for removing a crosstie from beneath the rails of a railroad track as defined in claim 1 in which said frame is positioned between and operatively connects a ballast removing unit to a ballast cleaning unit whereby the crosstie is adapted to be removed immediately after removal of the ballast.

No references cited.

ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner.

R. A. BERTSCH, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN APPARATUS FOR REMOVING A CROSSTIE FROM BENEATH THE RAILS OF A RAILROAD TRACK AFTER BALLAST HAS BEEN REMOVED THEREFROM: (A) A FRAME ADAPTED TO BE SUPPORTED FOR MOVEMENT ALONG A RAILROAD TRACK, (B) A FIRST OUTWARDLY EXTENDING ARM PIVOTALLY CONNECTED ADJACENT ITS INNER END TO SAID FRAME, (C) A SECOND OUTWARDLY EXTENDING ARM PIVOTALLY CONNECTED ADJACENT ITS INNER END TO SAID FRAME AT AN ELEVATION ABOVE AND IN SPACED RELATION TO THE PIVOTAL CONNECTION OF SAID FIRST ARM TO SAID FRAME, (D) A DEPENDING ARM PIVOTALLY CONNECTED ADJACENT ITS UPPER END TO SAID SECOND ARM ADJACENT THE OUTER END THEREOF, (E) MEANS TO PIVOTALLY CONNECT THE OUTER END OF SAID FIRST ARM TO SAID DEPENDING ARM AT AN ELEVATION BELOW AND IN SPACED RELATION TO THE PIVOTAL CONNECTION OF SAID SECOND ARM TO SAID DEPENDING ARM, (F) POWER ACTUATED MEANS DISPOSED TO MOVE SAID FIRST AND SECOND ARMS ABOUT THEIR PIVOTAL CONNECTIONS TO SAID FRAME TO MOVE THE OUTER ENDS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND ARMS FROM A FIRST POSITION ADJACENT SAID FRAME TO A SECOND POSITION OUTWARDLY OF SAID FRAME WHEREUPON THE LOWER END OF SAID DEPENDING ARM IS PIVOTED FROM A POSITION ADJACENT SAID FRAME TO A POSITION OUTWARDLY THEREOF, AND (G) CROSSTIE ENGAGING MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO THE LOWER END OF SAID DEPENDING ARM AND DISPOSED TO ENGAGE A CROSSTIE WHILE THE LOWER END OF SAID DEPENDING ARM IS ADJACENT SAID FRAME WHEREUPON THE CROSSTIE IS REMOVED FROM BENEATH THE RAILS IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT OF THE OUTER ENDS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND ARMS TO SAID SECOND POSITION. 